Proverbs 20:6 kjv

Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

Proverbs 20:6 nkjv

Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man?

Proverbs 20:6 niv

Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?

Proverbs 20:6 esv

Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?

Proverbs 20:6 nlt

Many will say they are loyal friends,
but who can find one who is truly reliable?

Proverbs 20 verses

Proverbs 20 6 Meaning

Many individuals readily proclaim their own goodness, kindness, or loyalty. However, truly reliable and faithful people are exceptionally rare and difficult to discover. The verse highlights the stark contrast between superficial self-commendation and genuine, proven character. It emphasizes that true faithfulness is not boastful but is demonstrated through actions and consistent integrity, making it a precious and scarce virtue in the world.

Proverbs 20 6 Context

Proverbs chapter 20 is part of the extensive collection of Solomonic proverbs, offering practical wisdom for navigating various aspects of life, community, and governance. The surrounding verses in this chapter touch on themes of discernment (v. 5), the importance of honest living (v. 7), and the consequences of one's actions. Specifically, verse 20:6 fits into a broader discourse on character assessment and the discernment of true virtue. The historical context of Proverbs stems from an ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, emphasizing the importance of social harmony, righteous conduct, and the ability to distinguish between genuine and deceptive individuals within the community. For the original Israelite audience, understanding "steadfast love" (חֶסֶד - chesed) carried significant weight, as it referred to the covenant loyalty fundamental to their relationship with God and each other. The verse implicitly critiques the common human tendency for self-promotion and superficial declarations of virtue, urging instead a search for genuine faithfulness, a quality deeply valued in a society dependent on trust and integrity.

Proverbs 20 6 Word analysis

• Many a man: Implies a widespread or common occurrence; it is not a rare individual act but a general human tendency.
• proclaims (Hebrew: קָרָא - qara'): To call out, read, announce, declare. Here, it suggests an active, public, and often verbal declaration or boasting. It implies self-assertion or making a claim about oneself, rather than having the quality simply observed by others.
• his own steadfast love (Hebrew: חֶסֶד - chesed): Chesed is a rich and profound term often translated as loyal love, kindness, mercy, or covenant faithfulness. It describes a deep, loyal devotion and commitment, particularly within a relationship. When people claim their own chesed, they are proclaiming their self-perceived benevolence or reliability. This self-declared "love" can often be superficial, self-serving, or merely professed without genuine depth or action.
• but a faithful man (Hebrew: אֱמוּנִים - emunim, plural of אָמֵן - amen related words): Emunim refers to someone trustworthy, reliable, steady, and truly faithful. It denotes inner steadfastness and consistent integrity proven by actions, not just words. This quality is tied to the root 'mn from which we get 'amen' meaning firm, trustworthy, or sure. Such a person is consistently true to their word and commitments.
• who can find?: A rhetorical question signifying rarity and difficulty. It is challenging, indeed uncommon, to discover individuals who truly embody deep faithfulness, contrasting sharply with the abundance of those who merely claim it.

Words-group analysis

• Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love: This phrase encapsulates the human tendency toward self-promotion and hypocrisy. It speaks to a common boast where individuals declare their own admirable qualities, especially kindness or loyalty, but such declarations are often shallow or intended to gain approval rather than reflect true character. This proclaimed 'chesed' might lack substance, being mere talk or superficial gestures.
• but a faithful man who can find?: This contrasting clause highlights the scarcity and value of genuine faithfulness. True fidelity is not advertised but is revealed through consistent behavior, integrity under pressure, and reliability over time. The rhetorical question underscores how rare such authentic individuals are, emphasizing that finding them is a challenging task due to their true character being a quiet, lived reality rather than a loud declaration.

Proverbs 20 6 Bonus section

The tension in Proverbs 20:6 between self-proclaimed chesed and actual emunim reveals a core biblical truth: true character is demonstrated, not merely asserted. While humans often define their own "goodness," God's standards of loyal love and faithfulness are absolute and revealed in His consistent nature. The "faithful man" described in this verse is not found easily because such unwavering integrity requires more than intention; it demands costly commitment, humility, and often self-sacrifice, which run contrary to the human tendency for self-preservation and outward display. This verse therefore challenges us not only to discern others but also to examine ourselves: is our chesed self-proclaimed or truly a reflection of God's character in our lives, rooted in genuine emunah? It is a stark reminder that authenticity is a rarity in a world filled with boasts.

Proverbs 20 6 Commentary

Proverbs 20:6 offers a profound observation on human nature and the discernment of true character. It juxtaposes the common human tendency to proclaim one's own virtues with the rarity of genuine faithfulness. The world is full of individuals who readily declare their good intentions, their kindness, or their loyalty—their chesed. This self-proclamation is often for public image, self-congratulation, or even manipulation, yet it seldom reflects true depth. The "steadfast love" or chesed spoken of here, when claimed by an individual about themselves, is often superficial; it is an unproven or even deceptive claim.

In stark contrast stands the "faithful man" (אֱמוּנִים - emunim), one whose loyalty and integrity are deeply embedded in their character and consistently demonstrated through actions, not just words. This quality is rooted in trust, reliability, and steadfastness—a truth that can be leaned upon. The verse then poses the rhetorical question, "who can find?", emphasizing that such a person is exceptionally rare. This suggests that while self-declared virtues are abundant, true, tested faithfulness is a precious commodity. It invites wisdom seekers to look beyond superficial declarations and instead value actions, consistency, and a proven track record.

This proverb teaches us to be discerning, recognizing that outward appearance or verbal declarations are often misleading. It's a call to understand that real virtue is demonstrated, not advertised. Practically, this applies to choosing friends, business partners, leaders, or even considering our own walk of faith. True faithfulness, much like God's character (who is ultimately chesed and emunah), endures through trials and hardship, rather than being mere fair-weather virtue.